Express & Star

Politicians and press ready for big match to boost Bilston Town appeal

Politicians and the press will battle on the pitch as they help raise thousands to brighten a football club's home.

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Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden has called on journalists to join him on the playing field.

It comes as part of Bilston Town Community Football Club's fundraising mission to gather £3,000 needed to foot the bill for its floodlights.

Mr McFadden said: "I have been involved with Bilston Town FC for many years but this will be the first time that I’m playing on the pitch.

"My team of politicians are looking forward to taking the press on and win or lose. I hope we can raise as much money as possible for the club which provides such great entertainment week in week out in our great town.”

The football club was forced to replace the floodlights at its historic Queen Street Stadium after multiple attempts to fix ongoing problems which had affected its games.

Floodlights are needed to maintain its teams' positions within various sports leagues and ensure it can continue hosting a number of junior cup finals.

The entire electrical system powering the lights has since been replaced but the club needs residents to raise cash to help foot the bill before Christmas.

Members said the urgent work needed to replace the lights meant the club did not have time to apply for grants or funding.

Wolverhampton musician Vital, who recently landed his own show on BBC WM, has pledged his support to the cause and will be playing in the Press team.

The Whitmore Reans-born vocalist said: "I feel sorry for anybody that comes near me when I’m on the ball. I don’t just rap and talk on the radio. Politicians - be afraid, be very afraid."

More than £800 has been gathered online towards the club's £3,000 goal, with a number fundraisers held by members to bolster support.

The club held a family fun day during the school half term break alongside a cake sale, while Bilston's Barclay's branch has revealed it will match fund cash raised.

The Politicians vs Press football match is the next event on the fundraising agenda and is set to take place at 11.30am on December 8 at the club's home.

The Politicians side will be a cross-party team of Tory and Labour councillors, while the press team will include players from the Express & Star, Free Radio, BBC and the Press Association.

The club's online fundraising page said: "Turning the lights out on the pitch could have turned the lights out on the club but we are not prepared to give up that easily.

"This appeal is to the wider football community to help us raise what we need to cover the bill for the repairs - we have to settle this before Christmas so the clock is ticking.

"Our total bill is well into five figures so we hope you can help us with this first instalment as we explore other fundraising opportunities."

Entry to the match will be £2 on the day. See gofundme.com/bilston-town-floodlight-fund

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